Editor-in-chief Aleksandër Frangaj under house arrest
Yesterday morning, the editor-in-chief and the after-mentioned Alban received official notification that they were to appear before the Tirana District Court (Frangaj and Albon Melisander Frana-Qelshi were the defendants); at first they were informed of the time when, at three o'clock, they would go to the office of the after to straighten things out, and in the office they were told in the protocol office of the record to proceed.
Yesterday morning, the editor-in-chief and the after-mentioned Alban received official notification that they were to appear before the Tirana District Court (Frangaj and Albon Melisander Frana-Qelashi were the defendants); at first, the time was announced when, at three o'clock, they would go to the office of the after for adjustments, and in the office they were informed in the protocol office of the court record to proceed. Following our request, Frangaj confirmed that, in addition to the official summons, he had also been informed verbally. After an explanation of the procedure in the court’s protocol office, we asked to be told what was being done with us. There we were informed that the prosecutor, by means of a court decision, was ordering Frangaj’s arrest. The deputy chairman of the Tirana District Court, Mr. Hënsan(?), told us that since the defendant was at liberty and would be ready to appear whenever summoned, the measure of house arrest had therefore been imposed with these conditions: daily reporting to the police, prohibition on leaving the Tirana district, and surrender of the passport. These points were written in the court decision and bore the official seal.
We have no right to investigate, said the editor-in-chief, but we ask to know exactly what this is about. According to the official clarification, the matter was related to a piece published in the newspaper. Frangaj asked to be acquainted with the content of the accusation and the relevant documents. He added that he had no reason whatsoever to flee and that he was ready at any time to appear before the organs of justice. Meanwhile, the house arrest decision was regarded by him as a pressure measure against the free press. Mr. Frangaj said that the house arrest imposed on him was based on a mistaken interpretation of the law and that the action had a punitive character. He recalled that the newspaper “Koha Jonë” had previously also been subjected to forms of administrative and police pressure.
In his response, he said that he would abide by the law, but would at the same time pursue all legal avenues to challenge the decision. In his view, the accusation had been raised to frighten the newsroom and to prevent the publication of critical articles. He stressed that he had committed no act that would justify such a measure and that he would seek public clarification. In closing, he stated that the house arrest would not affect the newspaper’s continued work.
At Thursday’s session, the court ordered the obligation to report and the corresponding restrictions. In the text of the decision read out to those present, the ban on leaving the country was also mentioned. Frangaj was accompanied by lawyers and colleagues from the newsroom. The case is expected to continue.
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